NDCA announces commissioned artist for the tenth annual Special Edition Ornament
The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) announces their tenth annual Special Edition Ornament. Potter, artisan and educator, Brad Bachmeier of Bachmeier Pottery in Fargo, ND and professor of Art at Minnesota State University Moorhead was commissioned by NDCA to create this one-of-a-kind wheel-thrown and raku fired ceramic ornament with brass wire and ribbon. The commission of this ornament offers the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind, hand-made Christmas decoration and/or gift, while investing in the arts across the state. The ornaments will be available for purchase early October. Limited quantities are available.
Each ornament sells for $25.00 plus tax (includes gift box, shipping additional). $12 from each ornament can be used as a tax-deductible donation to the North Dakota Cultural Endowment Fund. Proceeds will benefit this Fund, which was created by the State Legislature in 1979 to assist NDCA in providing artistic opportunities for citizens throughout the state of North Dakota. If you would like to purchase a Special Edition Ornament, please call (701) 328-7590.
These limited edition ornaments are created in the ancient raku process where they are pulled out of a kiln while glowing red-hot at 1800 degrees and immediately placed into a container of combustible material where they burst into flame…. moments later they are covered and starved of oxygen resulting in smoky swirls and vibrant metallic colors. Because of this process, each piece is wonderfully unique.
Brad Bachmeier and his wife Susan are natives of Anamoose, ND, currently living in south Fargo with their four children. Brad is a national and international award winning ceramic artist with works in prestigious permanent collections such as Microsoft, the North Dakota Governor’s Mansion, and Michelle Obama’s Office in the White-House. Although Brad is most well-known for his atmospheric fired ceramic vessels, he is also one of only 27 brick sculptors in the nation and has completed numerous large-scale public installations. Brad was recognized in 2009 with a North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts for “a career marked by significant and sustained contributions to the arts in North Dakota.” These contributions include serving on the founding boards for the Center for Creativity at the Plains Art Museum and the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Artists, and as a Board of Directors member and President for both the Rourke Art Museum and The Arts Partnership. Brad currently serves as the head of the Art Education Program at Minnesota State University Moorhead. For more information on Brad and his works, visit http://www.bachmeierpottery.com.